The Florida Department of Health in Lee County is able to issue certified copies of birth certificates for any birth occurring in Florida. Birth certificates are private records and can only be given to certain people if they provide a valid ID, any requested documents, and the correct fee. These people include:

  • Individual whose name is on the certificate (if they are 18 years of age or older)
  • Individual’s mother or father
  • A guardian or legal representative of the individual mentioned above, with proper proof or a court order
  • If the individual listed on the certificate has passed away, you’ll need to show their death certificate and be the mother, father, spouse, child, grandchild, sibling, or a legal representative of one of those people.
  • Once it’s been 125 years since the individual’s birth, the certificate becomes public record, and anyone can request a copy.
  • If you are eligible to get the certificate, you can give someone else permission to order it for you. Complete a Affidavit to Release Birth Certificate, provide a copy of your valid ID, and any other required documents. The original affidavit must be sent in with a completed application for Florida Birth Record: English | Spanish | Creole.

How to request a birth certificate

In-Person
  • Print and complete the application for a Florida Birth Record: English | Spanish | Creole
  • Bring a valid form of identification:
    • Driver’s License
    • Passport
    • Military ID
    • State ID
  • Proper fee amount
  • Other documents, if required

Visit the Office of Vital Statistics located at:
83 Pondella Road
North Fort Myers, FL 33903

Service Hours:  
Monday – Friday
9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

By Mail
  • Print and complete the Application for a Florida Birth Record: English | Spanish | Creole
  • A copy a valid form of identification:
    • Driver’s License
    • Passport
    • Military ID
    • State ID
  • Proper fee amount. Payment method’s accepted: money order, cashier check or  business check. Personal checks are not accepted.
  • Other documents, if required.
  • A self-addressed stamp envelope (for regular processing service)

Mail documentation to:

Florida Department of Health Lee County
Attention: Vital Statistics
83 Pondella Road
North Fort Myers, FL 33903

By Phone or Online

Order online or by phone with a credit card through VitalChek®, our only contracted vendor to accept orders billed to a credit card. 

  • Visit the VitalChek® website to place your order online.
  • Speak with VitalChek®  a customer representative to place your order by telephone at 800-669-8312.  

You will need the following to process your order:

  • A copy of one of the following valid identifications
    • Driver’s License
    • Passport
    • Military ID
    • State ID
  • Your daytime telephone number
  • Credit card information
    • American Express
    • Discover Card
    • Master Card
    • Visa

 If you experience problems with your online order, please call the VitalChek® customer service number at 1-888-219-3786 for assistance, or visit their website.

Method of OrderFee(s)Payment Type
In person at DOH-Lee Vital Statistics office$14 for the first certified copy
$10 for each additional certified copy of the same record		Cash
Credit card
Google Pay
Apple Pay
By mail$14 for the first certified copy
$10 for each additional certified copy of the same record
$10 as an optional RUSH fee for processing the application within one business day after we receive the request.		Business check
Money order
Cashier’s check
Make payable to: LCHD
Online or by phone$14 for the first certified copy
$10 for each additional certified copy of the same record
VitalChek charges an additional fee for using their service.
Shipping charges apply. Please contact VitalChek at 800-669-8312 for current fees.		Credit card

Commemorative Birth Certificates

Florida provides special birth and marriage certificates signed by the current Governor and State Registrar. They have fancy calligraphy, gold embossed seals, and are great for framing as family keepsakes. However, they can’t be used as legal proof of birth.